Utah Hydro Project Ditches License for Simpler Exemption Ride
Published Date: 5/23/2025
Notice
Summary
PacifiCorp wants to give up its license for the Pioneer Hydroelectric Project in Utah and switch to a simpler conduit exemption. This change affects local communities and environmental groups, who have 60 days to share their thoughts or get involved. No big money changes are mentioned, but the decision could impact how the project is managed on federal land.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
License Surrender; Conduit Exemption Request
PacifiCorp filed an application on September 10, 2024 to surrender the license for the Pioneer Hydroelectric Project and obtain a conduit exemption. If approved, specific facilities (an intake; a 75-inch-diameter, 5.5-mile-long flowline; a 27-foot-high by 35-foot-diameter surge tank; a 6-foot-diameter, 4,564-foot-long steel penstock; a 3,000-foot-long tailrace canal; and appurtenant facilities) would be removed from Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction, while a brick powerhouse with two generating units totaling 5 megawatts would remain under FERC jurisdiction.
No Construction or Ground Disturbance
PacifiCorp says the proposal would not involve any construction, modification, deconstruction, or ground disturbance and that the project would continue operating as it currently does. That means the water supply system facilities would remain in place and operational while the licensing status is changed.
Public Comment and Intervention Window
Members of the public, agencies, Tribal members, and others may file comments, protests, or motions to intervene in this proceeding. The notice sets a deadline of 60 days from the issuance date of the notice to file initial comments, and reply comments are due 105 days from the issuance date.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11881 — Venture Global CP2 LNG, LLC, Venture Global CP Express, LLC; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline
Venture Global CP2 LNG and CP Express want to expand their LNG export terminal in Louisiana and the pipeline from Texas to Louisiana. This big project will boost LNG export capacity by 11.7 million tonnes per year and add pipeline capacity for 1,900 million cubic feet daily, costing about $826 million. If you’re interested, you’ve got until the intervention deadline to speak up or get involved!
2026-11880 — Rio Grande LNG Train 6, LLC; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline
Rio Grande LNG Train 6, LLC wants to expand its Texas LNG terminal by adding a new liquefaction train and marine jetty, boosting production by over 6 million tonnes per year and allowing more LNG ships to dock. This means more energy and business for the area, but folks have a deadline to speak up or get involved. The project is moving fast, so keep an eye on the clock and your calendars!
2026-11846 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is reviewing new and updated natural gas pipeline rate filings that could change how much customers pay starting as soon as July 1, 2026. Pipeline companies like DCP Guadalupe and Transcontinental Gas are asking for rate changes or corrections, and the public has until late June or early August to share their thoughts. These updates affect energy companies and customers who rely on natural gas, with some changes already effective or coming soon.
2026-11879 — Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline
Northern Natural Gas Company wants to build new pipelines and a compressor station in New Mexico and Texas to boost gas delivery to a power plant and improve their system’s reliability. The project will cost about $105 million, and they’re asking to include these costs in their regular rates. If you’re interested, you need to act before the deadline to get involved in the decision.
2026-11878 — California Department of Water Resources; Notice of Availability and Adoption of Final Environmental Assessment
The California Department of Water Resources has shared its final environmental assessment, which looks at how a new water project might affect the environment. This update mainly impacts local communities and water users by ensuring the project is safe and eco-friendly. The assessment is now official, so the project can move forward without delays or extra costs.
2026-11782 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several new filings about natural gas pipeline rates and refunds from companies like NextEra Energy and ETC Tiger Pipeline. These filings could change how much customers pay starting as soon as June or July 2026. If you want to speak up or get involved, you need to act before the deadlines in mid to late June.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-09326 — American Efficient, LLC, Modern Energy Group LLC, MIH LLC, Midcontinent Energy LLC, Wylan Energy, LLC, Affirmed Energy LLC; Updated Notice of Designation of Commission Staff as Non-Decisional
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission updated who on their staff can and can’t make decisions about a case involving six energy companies. Most enforcement staff won’t be involved in deciding or advising on this case, but a few named individuals still can. This change helps keep the review fair and clear, with no new costs or deadlines for the companies.
Next: 2025-09328 — Agency Information Collection Activity: Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) Decision Appeal Form
The VA wants your thoughts on a form used by family caregivers of veterans to appeal decisions about their support program. This is a chance to help improve the form and make sure it works well for those who need it. Comments are open for 60 days, so don’t miss your chance to speak up!